Surprising driving law you could break while staying warm over Christmas

27 December 2023 , 15:00

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Drivers could be making an easy mistake while driving in the cold weather that could land some heavy fines (Image: Getty Images)

As the temperatures plummet and we feel the frost in the air - it's important to keep warm and wrap up over winter, but did you know you could be breaking the law behind the wheel by doing so?

Wrapping up in a coat, hat, gloves and scarf is a winter essential for many as we feel the blustery cold bite in the air. But it's important to know that our winter warmers could be getting us into trouble and landing drivers with some hefty fines.

Although it's tempting to wrap up warm when driving, it's important to stay safe. If you're cold, you should turn up the car heaters instead of layering up, as wearing a coat, hat, gloves or scarf can "impact visibility" and "ability to use car controls", according to legal experts at Top Rated Law.

The pros say that reports that have found traffic accidents "peak from November to January" and severe accidents are "four times more common" in the colder months. So it's important that drivers are always alert and can easily see the road at all times.

As winter clothes can be seen as a hazard - gloves could also affect a driver's ability to hold and grip the steering wheel or gear stick. "Drivers are even warned that breaking this rule could even cost you a £5,000 fine," Top Rated Law added.

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As well as driving attire, there are other easy driving mistakes in winter that drivers could make and break the law unknowingly. Another is not clearing ice and snow from the roof and windows before setting off. As frustrating as it can be when you're in a rush and your car is covered in snow and ice, not clearing it could risk drivers getting a fine of £60, which could rise to £5,000 if the vehicle is deemed dangerous. Not just a fine risk, drivers could be hit with three to nine points on their license too.

Top Rated Law experts explain: "It can be easy to miss when rushing out to your morning commute, but it is important to make sure windows are fully de-misted, and to remove any ice or snow from windows and the top of the car as this could fall off and into the path of other road users."

Niamh Kirk